ONE OK ROCK have released their latest single, ‘Puppets Can’t Control You’, the official theme song for the TBS Sunday drama ‘Mikami Sensei’.
The track, co-written by DAIDAI of Paledusk and Rob Cavallo, premiered on January 19th during the drama’s debut episode. The song ties into the show’s plot, which follows an elite bureaucrat turned high school teacher tackling societal injustices. ONE OK ROCK frontman Taka shared that the band was inspired by the drama’s themes, stating:
“We created this song with love, inspired by the producer’s passionate vision and our desire to be a catalyst from within this world of propaganda, hoping that our message would reach people together with the drama.
I truly hope that by watching the drama and listening to the song, it will provide an opportunity for everyone to rethink what is truly right and what is wrong.”
Producer Kazutaka Iida explained that the concept for ‘Mikami Sensei’ was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when young people struggled to express their emotions freely. Inspired by ONE OK ROCK’s ’18 Fes’ performance of ‘We are’, which featured 1,000 eighteen-year-olds performing alongside the band, Iida sought to capture the energy and raw emotions of that moment in the drama.
“During the pandemic, it became difficult to share our true thoughts and emotions, and many young people may have lost the most passionate period of their student lives. Watching the ’18 Fes’ performance, I was deeply moved by their voices, smiles, and tears. I wanted to reflect that energy and passion in Mikami Sensei.”
Looking at the present day, Iida hopes that both the drama and its theme song will encourage viewers to think independently and stay true to their emotions without being influenced by external pressures.
DAIDAI, known for his work with the progressive metalcore band Paledusk, spoke about his approach to the track, emphasizing his commitment to amplifying ONE OK ROCK’s message. He stated via Instagram:
“Everyone faces challenges and hardships at some point in life. For me, during those tough times, I’ve always carved my way forward with rock music by my side. ‘Love the away game, and turn it into your home.’ I truly believe in this, and if this song can provide even a little strength to others, I’d be beyond happy. I’ll keep rocking myself and rocking for all of you!”
‘Puppets Can’t Control You’ is the second pre-release single from ONE OK ROCK’s forthcoming album ‘DETOX’, which is set for release on February 21st. Their 11th full-length album, produced by a roster of high-profile collaborators, including Cavallo, Dan Lancaster, and Pete Nappi, will feature 11 tracks, including the previously released singles ‘Dystopia’, ‘Delusion:All’, and ‘+Matter’.
Latin America tour and Linkin Park support
Following the release of ‘DETOX’, ONE OK ROCK will embark on their 2025 Latin American tour, starting with an appearance at music and art festival Tecate Pa’l Norte in Monterrey, Mexico, on April 4th. The band returns to South America for the first time since 2017, playing their biggest shows on the continent. Additionally, they will join Linkin Park as special guests on the From Zero World Tour 2025, performing at the Stade de France national stadium in Paris on July 11th.
Both international and Japanese versions of the new ONE OK ROCK single ‘Puppets Can’t Control You’ are now available on all streaming platforms.
‘DETOX’ Tracklist:
01. NASTY
02. Dystopia *
03. Tropical Therapy
04. Delusion:All
05. Party’s Over
06. Puppets Can’t Control You *
07. Tiny Pieces
08. This Can’t Be Us
09. +Matter
10. C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y. feat. Paledusk and CHICO CARLITO
11. The Pilot </3
* Some lyrics differ in the international version.
